Buddy Holly Center

Visiting the Buddy Holly Center

During your visit to this Lubbock, Texas attraction, explore permanent exhibits relevant to Lubbock’s most famous native son, Buddy Holly and those related to the performing artists and musicians of West Texas. Special exhibits in the visual arts celebrate the technical virtuosity and creative talents of fine artists at work in the region. The Buddy Holly Center also houses the Buddy Holly Center Store, carrying gifts and keepsakes related to Buddy Holly and the performing artists and musicians of West Texas.

Buddy Holly Gallery

Learn about the life and legacy of Buddy Holly in the Buddy Holly Gallery. Lubbock native Buddy Holly was an American musician, singer and songwriter, and pioneer of rock and roll. Artifacts owned by the City of Lubbock and other items that have been loaned to the Center by fans, supporters and family members are presented in the exhibit and bring the life and music of Buddy Holly to life. Highlights in the Buddy Holly Gallery include: Holly’s Fender Stratocaster, songbook, glasses, and homework assignments and report cards. Additional holdings that represent the Buddy Holly collection are on view: a recording microphone; custom guitar strap hand-crafted by Buddy Holly; a wooden sling shot; a leatherworking kit; Buddy Holly’s personal collection of 45 r.p.m. records; letters written to Buddy Holly from Eddie Crandall, the Cedarwood Publishing Co. and DECCA as well as a handwritten letter by Buddy Holly to A.V. Bamford thanking him for including him and his band The Crickets on a recent tour package; and The Crickets’ clothing, promotional and personal black and white snapshots, postcards, fan letters, recording contracts and tour itineraries. Detailed graphics, timelines and audio-visual interactive programs complete the exhibition.

Foyer and Fine Arts Galleries

The Foyer and Fine Arts Galleries at the Buddy Holly Center showcase contemporary arts of the region and the nation. Examples of past exhibitions in the Foyer and Fine Arts Galleries include Mavericks, Misfits & Musicians: The Art of Joe Garnett and David Leake: Impressions of Musicians.

Shopping at the Buddy Holly Center

Be sure to stop by the Buddy Holly Center Store. Gifts and keepsakes related to Buddy Holly and the performing artists and musicians of West Texas including apparel and caps, collectibles, novelties, books, posters and bumper stickers, and CDs and DVDs are available to purchase.

Travel Tips

- The Buddy Holly Center is ADA compliant.

- Special events take place at the Buddy Holly Center throughout the year. Visit the official Buddy Holly Center website to find out more about special events taking place during your visit.